When Do You Cock the Hammer and Set the Trigger

[Dadof8]

I will be celebrating my first BP season this year with my new .54 GPR. Have hunted with high-power rifle for 30 years and bow hunted for about 10 years. I have taken several deer in this time, so hunting is not new but BP is.

I want to know at what point you cock your hammer when a deer is approaching? It seems that if you let them get too close, they will hear it. Do you do it as soon as you think the deer is moving in range or do you wait until just before you decide to shoot no matter how close the deer is?

I also have the same question about the set trigger. I would imagine that you wait until you are ready to shoot to set it, right?

Dadof8

 

[jtmattison]

I cock the hammer when I raise the rifle to fire.
I do not use the set trigger. You can just pull the main trigger. It's a matter of preference but I prefer to have just the two hammer clicks and not bother with the set trigger.

Huntin

 

[Bob J]

I cock the hammer at the first opportunity after spotting game I might be taking (we're talking in a blind or treestand, not going to go stalking with rifle cocked).

To keep from having an audible "click", I squeeze the trigger at the same time the hammer is being pulled back (carefully). When hammer is all the way back ease off the trigger, then let go of hammer.

After I position the rifle towards the animal and get ready to take the shot, I will grunt with my mouth at the same time I set the trigger..."meeaaahh". This does two things;
1. stops deer in its tracks (for 4 to 8 seconds),providing a still shot.
2. covers the metallic "click" of the trigger being set.

:m2c: :results:

 

[Rebel]

Like mentioned, if you pull the trigger as you cock the hammer and then release the trigger and lower the hammer into the full cock notch, you won't make any noise. Sometimes while hunting it is better not to use the set trigger because you are excited with the adrenalin running, and it is all to easy to fire the gun prematurely from the excitement. It isn't that hard to just pull the front trigger without using the set trigger. Also, sometimes the sound of the click from the hammer being cocked will cause a deer to stop and look, giving you time for a standing shot. If a deer takes off or won't stop, i bleat like a lamb, which i guess must sound like a fawn or something, but it will usually stop a deer. I have even had them run off a 100 yds or so, and be able to call them back into range by bleating.

 

[Stumpkiller]

I cock the hammer as soon as I spot the deer. I don't have a set trigger on my current or prior rifles (a single, non-set trigger is my favorite for hunting).

I just leave my finger outside the bow until I'm ready to shoot.

 

[gmww]

I've found that the underhammer after polishing the trigger and hammer spurs with India ceramic stone it does not make as loud a noise when I cock the hammer. kinda cool.

 

[Dadof8]

You can just pull the main trigger.

Huntin

Huntin Dawg,

Since I am new to this type of gun, I was not aware of this. I'm going to the range tomorrow and will try that a few times to get use to it. I know the set trigger if mighty touchy and was wondering how that would work with heavy gloves on my hands.

Thanks for the info.

Dadof8

 

[Dadof8]

To keep from having an audible "click", I squeeze the trigger at the same time the hammer is being pulled back (carefully). When hammer is all the way back ease off the trigger, then let go of hammer.

Thanks for the info. I'm going to get my rifle out today and try this. I also will work on this at the range tomorrow.

You guys are a wealth of knowledge and I appreciate all of you taking time to help me.

Dadof8

 

[rudy parnell]

When it gets " deerthirty" you can cock your rifle. You will not want the set trigger unless you have open prarrie to work with and some time too. When you cock your rifle you need to be real careful with it. If you plan on letting your gun down by a cord it is best to take the cap off and uncock the rifle. I guess, if you got a flint you might want to roll the frizen back and maybe dust the pan. I'll leave that to others to comment on. I'm not qualified to remark on that. By the way, I have noted that on some of these guns if they are turned up side down the least little upset and they will go off. I put a piece of leather between my nipple and my hammer till I get set and then apply the cap. After hunting remove the cap and replace the leather. Oh! if you was to get real excited and drop your firearm ...well you realize that most of these guns are barrel heavy but I've noticed that a ball will bounce and "Murphy's Law" being what it is...you don't want to go there. Adios!

 

[Ridge]

I set my trigger right after I load it and the rifle is on half-cock. When I cock the hammer everything is good to go.

I cock the hammer just as soon as I see deer and know they are moving toward the kill zone.

 

[SCATTERSHOT]

As others have said, if you pull the main trigger while you are cocking the rifle, it won't make any noise. Just release the trigger and ease the hammer into the notch. If you are wearing gloves, I certainly wouldn't recommend using the set trigger!

JMHO

 

[roundball]

I use leather "Hammer Stalls" on my Flintlocks, and when sitting on a deer stand, I have the hammer at full cock...as soon as I see a deer that looks like a shooter, I set the trigger and wait...if he comes on and it looks like I'll get a clear shot, I slip off the Hammer Stall, pick a lane, and get ready...
(on percussions I used "Kap Kovers")

 

[Bob J]

I use leather "Hammer Stalls" on my Flintlocks

Is that the leather thingemajig that slips over the frizzen? If so, do you attach it to the rifle with a piece of leather or cord?

 

[roundball]

I use leather "Hammer Stalls" on my Flintlocks

Is that the leather thingemajig that slips over the frizzen? If so, do you attach it to the rifle with a piece of leather or cord?

I use pieces of rawhide bootlaces...

 

[Bob J]

:thanks: That's what I thought. Say, do I detect some curl in that TC stock?

 

[roundball]

:thanks: That's what I thought. Say, do I detect some curl in that TC stock?

Yes, well above average for a TC factory stock...found it on auction and refnished it with Tru-Oil...beautiful stock.

 

[Bob J]

Yep! That's a pretty stock.....nice job re-finishing it too :front:

 

[Jblk]

I always cock the hammer and set the trigger while holding on to the hammer, take a sight picture and touch her off.I have never had a deer act like it heard the noise.

 

[rudy parnell]

Yes sir, that is a beautiful gun. I have her sister over here in Lincoln County, North Carolina. Mine is a caplock in fifty caliber and most of the curl is in the check piece. There are spirals that break into a sunburst with the most beautiful shades of deep reds and orange. The guns look so similar it is unbelievable. When I get the expertise I will post a picture for you and every one. And by the way I am thinking of having mine personalized by engraving the brass hardware and would appreciate critical oppinions regarding this important decision. Thanks for sharing the safety tips also. Adios!

 

[pennsyltucky]

if im bird hunting or doin alot of walking in the open woods or a field, i set the hammer on full and leave the set trigger alone. if im sitting, the set trigger is pulled and the hammer is on half. works well. if ur walking with the hammer on full, just be more concious of where ur muzzle is pointing. and drop the hammer to half if ur going threw brush or pines.